Two 11-Year-Old Boys Found With Drugs At Eastbourne Station In County Lines Crackdown

Two boys aged 11 have been found with illegal substances during a police operation targeting county lines drug activity in Eastbourne.

Officers from British Transport Police discovered the boys with cannabis at Eastbourne Railway Station after they were spotted attempting to get into a taxi on their own.

Both children were returned home and are now subject to child protection and safeguarding plans, police said.

County lines operation

The discovery came during a week-long nationwide operation targeting county lines drug networks.

County lines is a form of organised crime where gangs transport illegal drugs from one area to another, often using children or vulnerable people who are coerced into dealing drugs.

The term refers to the dedicated mobile phone line used to take orders.

During the operation, British Transport Police said it arrested 60 people and safeguarded more than 20 individuals believed to be at risk of exploitation.

Officers also seized weapons, drugs, more than £13,000 in cash and 46 mobile phones linked to drug supply.

Items recovered included an imitation firearm and two Samurai swords.

Superintendent David Udomhiaye said police remained determined to tackle organised drug networks.

He said officers would continue working to shut down drug lines and protect vulnerable people being exploited by gangs.

Police say warning signs of potential child exploitation include children travelling alone during school hours or late at night, carrying large amounts of cash, possessing multiple phones, appearing under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or begging in public.